SUMMARY
- The UFC anti-trust lawsuit has revealed leaked messages and fighter contracts.
- Notably, many top fighters had special clauses inserted into their contracts.
The UFC anti-trust lawsuit has brought with it some very interesting findings. Not only have fans been made aware of how the UFC deals with top athletes like Conor McGregor and more, but also the finer details of their contracts. As such, it is safe to say, that some of them have had rather interesting clauses in their contracts as well.
Previously, we saw a lot of controversy after leaked messages and contract details regarding UFC fighters. As such, we have witnessed behind-the-scenes conversations regarding Jon Jones and Nate Diaz. Notably, we have also covered Brock Lesnar’s UFC contract and his special clauses. Since these things are not public information, the leaks have been like a gold mine for fans.
Recently, another such find has come to light regarding Conor McGregor. As it turns out, UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber had a special clause in his contract to fight the Irishman. As per the clause, Faber would stand to make a base salary of $250,000 and a win bonus of $150,000 against Conor. Similarly, he would make anywhere between $500,000- 750,000 if the fight was a PPV co-main or main event.
Urijah Faber and his rivalry with Conor McGregor
Naturally, it was a very lucrative offer for Urijah Faber, one that would have worked out well for him. However, as many may already know, a fight between Faber and ‘The Notorious One’ never transpired. This is even more surprising considering that the two coached opposite each other on TUF 22.
During the show, the two had a lot of friendly banter, with some intense moments as well. Notably, there was a big scuffle with both their teams. Other than that, McGregor and Faber once also had an awkward bust-up backstage. As for a fight between them, Conor, the interim featherweight champion at the time chose to unify the title against Jose Aldo instead.
Thereafter, the opportunity arose once again as Faber revealed that he was given the same fight as Nate Diaz in 2016. However, the fight would have been two weight classes higher for him and on three weeks’ notice. Despite their back and forths over the years, Conor and Urijah had formed a brotherly relationship and had a mutual respect for one another.
Urijah Faber’s career earnings
As mentioned previously, Urijah Faber is a UFC Hall of Famer. Not only that but prior to their merger with the UFC, Faber was a WEC Featherweight champion. In addition to that, he was also a bantamweight title challenger in the UFC on four different occasions. Having retired in 2016, Urijah returned to the sport in 2019, securing a first-round KO win over Ricky Simon.
Over the course of his career, ‘The California Kid’ is reported to have earned more than $3 million. Sporting a record of 35-11 across his 15-year fighting career, he clearly managed to make a name for himself. With that said, his top 5 paydays are as follows: $190,000 against Michael McDonald, $270,000 against Petr Yan, $320,000 against Frankie Saenz, $340,000 against Brad Pickett, and $410,000 against Ricky Simon.
All things considered, Faber enjoyed a very successful career. Further, he also managed to use that success to start other ventures as well. Whilst he may have missed out on a ‘red panty night’ by not getting the McGregor fight, he will likely not be too fussed about it. Having founded and brought about the growth of Team Alpha Male, Urijah will be satisfied either way.